Baofeng UV 5R Plus

Been looking at all the Baofeng UV 5R radio's that are out their on the market, and I have to say that it can be a bit bewildering why Baofeng would come out with so many models in such a short time. The Baofeng UV 5R plus seems to be the best out of all of the model that are available.

 

More information on the excellent Baofeng UV-5R Radios

So how far can I talk on my Baofeng UV-5R plus

Trying to decide which Baofeng radio is right for you

Idiot's guide to programming the Baofeng UV-5R radio

 

 

The Baofeng UV 5R plus with harder case

Check prices atAmazon

With improvements to the Firmware and a tough outer shell the Baofeng UV 5R plus seems like the best choice, and it is still under $50.00. Product Features Frequency Range: 136-174 / 400-479.995 MHz. Upgrade the frame material. Metallic, more durable and more fashionable. With full high two colors LED definition display, the screen exquisite clarity. The new English,German,French instruction, more convenient and more humanized. The New 2013 packing,more beautiful and quite well-done.
 Get your's today at Amazon

Product Description Features * Dual-Band Display, Dual Freq. Display, Dual-Standby * Output Power: 4 /1Watts * 128 Channels 50 CTCSS and 104 DCS * Built-in VOX Function * 1750Hz Brust Tone * FM Radio (65.0MHz-108.0MHz) * LED Flashlight * Large LCD Display * Hight /Low RF Power Switchable * 25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable * Emergency Alert * Low Battery Alert * Battery Saver * Time-out Timer * Keypad Lock * Monitor Channel * Channel Step: 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25KHz * ROGER SET
 Check current Prices at Amazon

General Specifications 
·Frequency Range: 65-108MHz (FM Receive only); 136-174 MHz and 400-479.995 MHz(TX/RX) ·Channel No.: 128 ·Frequency Stability: ±2.5ppm ·Antenna: High gain Dual-Band Antenna ·Antenna Impedance: 50 ohm ·Operating Voltage: DC 7.4V ·Mode of operation: Simple or semi-duplex ·Dimension (W x H x D): 100 x 52 x 32 mm ·Weight: 250g (including battery, antenna) Transmitter Specifications ·Output power: 4W / 1W (Max 5W) ·Modulation Mode: 16kWbF3E / 11kWbF3E ·Maximum deviation: <5kHz(Wide) / <2.5kHz(Narrow) ·Spurious Radiation: ·Adjacent Ch. power: <=-65dB(Wide) / <=-60dB(Narrow) ·Pre-emphasis characteristics: 6dB ·Current: <=1.6A(5W) ·CTCSS/DCS deviation: 0.5±0.1kHz(Wide) / 0.3±0.1kHz(Narrow) ·Intermediation sensitivity: 8-12mv ·Intermediation distortion: <10 Package   1 x UV-5R Plus(VHF136-174MHz / UHF 400-479.995MHz)   1 x 7.4V 1800mAh Li-ion Battery Pack 1 x Antenna 136-174/400-479.995Mhz 1 x Earphone Mic/Headset 1 x Belt Clip 1 x Hand Strap 1 x ENG / GER / FRA Manual 1 x adapter 1 x Desktop Charger (100V ~ 240V) Note: Updated software

dual band handheld radios

Dual band handheld radios

As the market is flooded with inexpensive dual band handheld radio gear, radio enthusiasts are racing to there favorite online web sites and amateur radio shops to purchase the latest greatest thing coming in from China.
 At the time of this writing there are at least three dual band handheld radios that are worth mentioning.

The Baofeng UV-5R

The Wouxun KG-UVD1p

The Yaesu FT-60R

Baofeng UV-5RE dual band HT

 The Baofeng UV-5R series of radios come out of China, and are general purpose VHF/UHF radios not aimed specifically at the Amateur radio market. They are usable on any service within the VHF/UHF radio services. Although it may not be legal to use them for the Family Radio Service (FRS) they can still be used for GMRS and Marine service as well as public services like Police and Fire departments. Be careful with these radios as you can get yourself into trouble if you interrupt communications with public service agencies. They can also be used to monitor these services when used as a scanner with dual band watch. One thing to watch with the Baofeng radios is the reverse SMA connector for the antenna. You will need an adapter to use it with existing equipment or an antenna with a reverse SMA type connector if you want higher gain than what comes stock with the radio. The Baofeng also comes in a 2M/200 model with the UV-5RAX. Find great deals on the Boafeng UV-5R series of radios at Amazon.

Great deals on Baofeng radios

The Wouxun KG-UVD1P has been around a bit longer but are not quite as popular as the Baofeng radios simply because of the price tag. The Wouxun dual band HT's come in at a little over $100 U.S. but are a bit more rugged and user friendly radios that cover the same bands as the Baofeng radios. The difference is a bit better quality of radio. The case is made with a metal frame whereas the Baofeng radio mostly come with plastic shells. They are also a bit more professional looking than the Baofeng radios. One other thing to mention is that the Wouxun radios have a normal SMA type connector that is found on modern dual band amateur radios so they can be used with existing equipment and antenna systems.The Wouxun also comes in a 2M 220 model.


The Yaesu FT-60R is a full blown dual band handheld amateur radio made Yaesu radio's and accessories
in Japan. The Yaesu brand has been around for many years in the ham radio market making quality VHF/UHF as well as HF radio equipment. The Yaesu FT-60R covers the 2M and 440 bands only, but can be modified for use in other VHF/UHF services. It is aimed squarely at the ham radio market. The Yaseu FT-60R has all the features that an amateur radio operator would need for everyday operation. The radio also has a multitude of accessories that are available. The difference with this radio is that you can expect to pay close to $200.00 U.S.
As you can see their are many choices to be made when deciding on a dual band handheld radio. This includes price range that you want to spend and whatever features you may need. If you just need a basic dual band handheld radio then the Baofeng UV-5R radios are a great choice. If you want a full blown dual band ham radio with all the features that are needed for use with ham radio then something like the Yaesu FT-60 would be a better choice. The final decision is up to you.
Great prices on the Baofeng UV-5R at Amazon

Ham radio on a budget

 ham radio sale

Baofeng UV-5R with case

As Amateur radio operators we are always on the lookout for a great deal on equipment whether it be new or used. You can always find ham radios on sale at local flea markets as well as Ham-fests. One of the best deals in dual
band handheld amateur radios to come along in a long time is the Baofeng UV-5RE series from China.

Baofeng radios and accessories

The Baofeng UV-5re radio's come in several different models with a price tag under $50.00, blowing the competing radio market out of the water. Try finding any other dual band radios in that price range. Sure the Baofeng radios don't have all the features that a full blown Amateur radio would have but they are quite usable on the ham radio bands and if you break it you can easily replace it at a low price.

Battery Eliminator

 Now that the Baofeng radio's have become so popular their are a ton of Baofeng UV5R accessories that can be purchased under $20.00 as well. These include high capacity batteries and chargers, external hand microphones and high gain antenna's.

Baofeng accessories

 The only other radio that comes close to the Baofeng UV-5RE series of radios is the Wouxun KG-UVD1P. The Wouxun series of radio's are a bit more rugged and user friendly than the Baofeng radios but also cost twice as much, at a price tag a little over $100 US. The cheapest price I have seen is over at Amateur Radio Supplies offering them on sale at $109.99. The other nice thing about the Wouxun KG-UVD1P is the antenna connector is a normal SMA type making it usable with an existing antenna system, whereas with the Baofeng Radios you have to purchase an adapter since it is reverse SMA.

 

Baofeng accessories

Baofeng UV5R accessories

 OK, you got your little Chinese Baofeng UV5r in your greedy little hands and your wondering what to do with all the extra money you have left over after your purchase. The most logical thing to do would be to buy BEER and celebrate, but being radio nuts that probably is not going to happen. You and I both know that what you are going to do is head over to our favorite online shop and buy some Baofeng accessories to go along with that new radio.

 But what to get ? You could always buy a second battery for the radio so Baofeng Batteries and the car charger/Battery eliminator are great choices.

that you can always have one on the charger ready to go. That would make sense. With so many choices to choose from it can be a bit overwhelming, but with the low prices it is an easy choice. Go for the biggest battery you can get. The 7.4 V batteries can be bought for under $20.00 and come in a 1800Mah, 3600Mah and 3800Mah model.

 While on the subject of batteries, you can purchase a second charger for your Baofeng battery for only $8.99.

BAOFENG Radio Original Desktop Charger (US type) fit for BAOFENG UV-5R 5RA 5RB 5RC 5RD 5RE 5REPLUS

 If you want a little more protection for your new purchase or plan on using your Baofeng out in the field with ARES or emergency services then you are going to want to get a durable case for your radio.
Neo-Flex Protective Carrying Case with Belt Clip for BaoFeng UV-5R , UV-5R Plus , UV-5Ra and More Dual Band Handheld Transceivers! This hard case will prevent damage if you happen to drop your radio during emergency situations and protect your investment.

Where can I find the best deal

 Where to buy the Baofeng UV-5re

  Ok so you got your ham radio license in your greedy little hands and you are dying to get on the airwaves. Most Newly licensed ham radio operators start off on the 2m/440 bands with either a single or dual band radio. The most popular being the Baofeng-UV-5re, but where can you find the best deal on this great little dual band HT.
 The baofeng UV-5RE line of radio's are dual band HT's that come with either 2M/220 or 2M/440. If you fo a Google search you will find MILLIONS of hits for those little radios. Their is a reason for that. They are very inexpensive, some places offering them for under $40.00 dollars now, like at Amazon. If you go to Amazon.com and do a similar search you will gets hundreds of hits for the baofeng UV-5RE line of radio's. Baofeng also has other models of radios but the UV-5R series seems to be the most popular so far. The major differences between all the UV-5R radio's is the software it would seem. Another thing to consider when ordering your Baofeng UV-5RE radio is the warranty that comes with it. Even though the radios are not a big investment, you still would like to know that if for some reason it breaks the first week you get it, you will be able to return it. I don't think the warranty covers melting it down in a microwave at all though.
Great prices on the Baofeng UV-5R at Amazon